Smart checklists to improve healthcare outcomes

Abstract

This paper presents an approach for automatically generating Smart Checklists-context-dependent, dynamically updated views of ongoing medical processes based on current activities and previously validated process models of best practices. This approach addresses not only nominal scenarios but includes guidance when exceptional situations arise. The framework for creating these checklists is described, along with an example and discussion of issues.

Exploring Design Opportunities for a Context-Adaptive Medical Checklist Through Technology Probe Approach

“…This partial completion issue impacts the checklist adaptability in the same way as checking items out of order or at the very end. To address this issue, Christov et al [5] for example, implemented an “X” button and an optional free-form notes field next to items on their smart checklist for nurses to indicate any problems with completing the process steps. A similar feature could also be designed for the resuscitation checklist to facilitate adaptation.…”

“…Despite an initial concern that a touchscreen display might create a distraction, it was perceived as more user-friendly than the gesture-based interaction. Christov et al [5] introduced a smart checklist for blood transfusion, cardiac surgery, and infusion therapy that automatically generates a list of items based on predefined activities. Their design also supports adaptation of the user interface to different users, as well as dynamic updating of information based on the current activity.…”

Toward improving surgical outcomes by incorporating cognitive load measurement into process-driven guidance

“…This work builds upon previous work (e.g., [7]) that described a Single-Team view that provides a sequential view of the process execution state. In this current work the Multi-Team view extends this Single-Team view by displaying the steps of each subteam, as well as indicating the ways in which one subteam’s steps interact with and depend on the steps of the others.…”

“…Typical checklists, however, can be inadequate in guiding humans through the complex aspects of intricate processes such as surgical team processes, which are known to be inherently error prone (e.g., [34]). We are developing and evaluating a framework that dynamically generates Smart Checklist user interfaces [7] that provide context-aware guidance to humans as they are performing a real-world process. This framework updates the Smart Checklists, which visualize the process execution state, by monitoring real-time process execution events and then matching them against sequences of events specified in the validated process models.…”

“…Our process-based approach uses a detailed, rigorously-defined, and carefully validated process model to provide a dynamically updated, context-aware and thus, “Smart” Checklist to help process performers understand and manage their pending tasks [7]. This paper focuses on support for teams of performers, working independently as well as in close collaboration, in stressful situations that are life critical.…”